5 Key Tips for Going to Parties with Food Allergies

By:
in Help & Advice
going to parties food allergy
Photo: Getty

Big gatherings – with family, co-workers and friends – are a time of sharing and fun. For those with food allergies, going to parties can be  stressful. This is especially so when you consider the minefield of hidden allergens in the food of hosts who don’t understand food allergies.

And for teenagers and young adults, many of whom engage in plenty of social activities, navigating discussions of food allergies and eating safely can be particularly tricky. While it’s important that others know about their food allergies, young people often don’t want to “make things into a big deal.” They don’t want to feel different or inconvenience others.

Reaction risk is higher when food is prepared by others. Following are some great tips for staying safe from members of Food Allergy Canada’s youth panel.

Going to Parties: Talk to Hosts

Whether a work or private party, try to speak with the person organizing the event to find out what’s on the menu and to offer your help. For catered events, speak with the food-service manager about options for you. Many people will willingly avoid having mass amounts of allergenic foods, such as shrimp or nut trays. However, it may be unrealistic to expect every menu item to be “free- from” all of your allergens. And remember, nobody can realistically provide a complete “guarantee.”

Offer to bring your own food if you you’re not comfortable with the options, or if a host or staff are not able to accommodate your allergies. For potluck events, bring your own dish and serve yourself before others dig in. Many people with food allergies eat something before an event, just in case there are limited safe options.

Carry that Auto-injector!

Always double-check before you eat or drink that you have epinephrine with you. Studies show that a key factor in anaphylaxis fatalities is a delay in getting epinephrine, or not getting it at all. An innocent oversight – such as switching purses or pants and not transferring your auto-injector – could put you at risk.

Beware of Hidden Allergens

They may lurk where you least expect. One of our members recalled an allergic reaction to dairy from a “Jello shot”. While the party host confirmed that the alcohol and Jello were free of dairy, she did not think to mention that butter was used as a release agent. This was so the “shots” would slip easily out of the little cups.

Lesson learned: Stick to your own alcoholic beverage and read the labels, too. Some alcohol has tree nuts (Bombay Sapphire Gin has almonds). While liqueurs used in fancy cocktails may also be made from tree nuts, such as Frangelica (hazelnuts). Also, be wary of baked goods – though they may be free from your allergens, they might have been prepared with shared utensils or trays, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.

Pass on the Handshake or Kiss

Allergic reactions, such as hives, can happen through the transfer of an allergen on someone’s lips or hands. One person reported getting hives on her face after someone, who had just eaten shrimp, gave her a ‘hello’ kiss on the cheek. Worse reactions have happened through the transfer of an allergen during intimate kissing.

While it may feel awkward, tell your date about your food allergies beforehand. To keep things light when greeting others, offer an elbow bump instead, that’s a great way of avoiding spreading viruses and colds, too!

Going to Parties: A Designated Driver

While a designated driver is there to ensure that everyone gets home safely, you can also teach this person to help in an allergic reaction. Teach the DD to recognize the symptoms; explain where you keep your auto-injector and how to use it. Plus, make sure the person knows to call 911 if you have a reaction. If everyone else is inebriated – including you – the DD may be more alert to an allergic reaction in its early stages.

While it can be frustrating when others “don’t get” your food allergies, try to stay positive. Most people will try to accommodate your needs, especially if you are reasonable and don’t use scare tactics to get what you need. Enjoy being with your friends instead of feeling down that you can’t eat something.

Make a point of sending a thank you note to those who go out of their way for you. Those two little words can go a long way towards reinforcing how others can better help those with food allergies.

Laurie Harada is the former executive director of Food Allergy Canada, www.foodallergycanada.ca.